Conditions
Stage 2 melanoma
Quick answer
Stage 2 melanoma is a thicker or ulcerated primary melanoma that has not spread to lymph nodes or distant organs. It is split into IIA, IIB and IIC; IIB and IIC carry a risk similar to some stage 3 disease. Treatment is wide excision and sentinel node biopsy, and adjuvant immunotherapy may now be offered for IIB and IIC to lower the risk of recurrence.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-24
What this stage or type means
- Stage II covers T2b to T4 tumours with no node or distant spread.
- T4 tumours may be more than 4 mm thick.
- IIC is the thickest ulcerated group and has the highest risk within stage II.
- Sentinel node biopsy is usually recommended to confirm stage.
- Imaging may be done to exclude hidden spread.
Treatment options
Wide local excision
Usually 2 cm margins for thicker tumours.
Sentinel node biopsy
To check hidden node spread.
Adjuvant immunotherapy
Pembrolizumab or nivolumab for a year in stage IIB/IIC.
Surveillance imaging
CT or PET-CT at intervals for higher substages.
Skin checks
Lifelong.
Tests that confirm it
- Excision pathology with Breslow thickness
- Sentinel node biopsy
- CT or PET-CT staging
- LDH blood test
- BRAF mutation test
Outlook
Stage 2 melanoma that has not spread falls in the localised group, for which the American Cancer Society lists 5-year relative survival above 99%. Within stage II, risk rises from IIA to IIC.
Planning treatment in India
- Surgery and sentinel node biopsy need about one week.
- Adjuvant immunotherapy is given every three to six weeks for a year; ask if it can continue at home.
- Send pathology and imaging.
- Plan surveillance scans locally.
Questions to ask your specialist
- Which substage am I?
- Is adjuvant immunotherapy recommended?
- What are the side effects?
- How often will I need scans?
- Should my tumour be BRAF tested?
Related treatments
Other stages and types
- Stage 0 melanoma (melanoma in situ)
- Stage 1 melanoma
- Stage 3 melanoma
- Stage 4 melanoma
- Uveal (eye) melanoma
- Acral lentiginous melanoma
Frequently asked questions
Why consider immunotherapy if there is no spread?
Stage IIB and IIC have a meaningful recurrence risk that immunotherapy can reduce.
How long is adjuvant treatment?
Usually one year.
Are the side effects serious?
Most are mild, but some immune side effects need prompt care.
Is BRAF testing needed now?
It is useful if the melanoma comes back.
Sources
- Survival Rates for Melanoma Skin Cancer - American Cancer Society
- Melanoma Skin Cancer Stages - American Cancer Society
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices
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